Los Angeles hopes to reopen city immigration office

Calling Los Angeles the "new Ellis Island" of immigration, city officials took steps on Wednesday to reopen an Office of Immigration Affairs to provide help to local residents.

Councilman Eric Garcetti, who is running for mayor, said the city needs to be prepared for any change in federal immigration laws to help residents work their way through any process developed as a pathway to citizenship.

"Los Angeles is a city of immigrants," Garcetti said during the City Council discussion of the proposal. "Close to 65 percent of the people in this city are immigrants or the children of immigrants.

"My grandparents came here for safety. But they found more than safety. They found opportunity and that is what has made our city so strong. It's what has made our country so strong."

The city did have an Office of Immigration Affairs several years ago, but it was closed because of budgetary issues.

Garcetti's proposal asks for a report back on what would be needed to reopen the office and how it could be financed by diverting money from other sources.

"This move is just the first step," Garcetti said. "We have to be ready to take action before the federal government acts. We need to have an office in place to help people get through the process."

Councilman Richard Alarcón said the proposal is needed to help the city prepare for the future.

"This will be necessary for the next mayor to ensure the next generations will be helped," Alarcón said. "It will be important for all of our well-being to make sure immigration reform is a success."